Joe Biden welcomed Donald Trump back to the White House today, displaying good gesture to a former rival who did not afford him the same courtesy four years before.
The US president and president-elect shake hands in front of a roaring fire in the Oval Office, promising a seamless transition — a stark contrast to Trump’s inability to accept his 2020 setback.
“Welcome back,” Biden, said as He thanked Trump, and delivered brief introductory words to the man he has often portrayed as a threat to democracy.
Trump also stated that the transition of power would be “as smooth as you can get,” despite the fact that his transition team has yet to execute some important legal paperwork prior to his inauguration as president on January 20.
“Politics is difficult, and the the world is often unpleasant. “It’s a nice world today, and I really appreciate it,” Trump remarked.
Biden, who withdrew out of the race in July but saw his successor, Kamala Harris, lose to Trump last week, said he was “looking forward to having a smooth transition” and promisedto do “everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the meeting between Biden and Trump as “substantive” and said they exchanged views on national security and domestic policy issues facing the nation and the world. Trump came with a detailed set of questions, she said.
Melania Trump, incoming first lady, was absent from the event, having been a mysterious presence on the campaign trail and spending much of Trump’s first term away from the White House.
Outgoing First Lady Jill Biden joined Biden in greeting Trump and “gave Mr. Trump a handwritten letter of congratulations for Mrs. Trump,” according to the White House.
The The only other persons in the room for post-handshake talks were Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients and Trump’s new chief of staff Susie Wiles, according to the White House.
Biden was anticipated to press Trump during the meeting to maintain US assistance for Ukraine’s struggle against Russia, something the Republican has questioned.
Biden’s Oval Office invitation reinstated a presidential transition tradition that Trump broke after he lost the 2020 election, refusing to meet with Biden or attend the inauguration.
Trump enters his second term with complete control of his party and both chambers of Congress.
Source : USA Today, CNN